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Concluding stages of march; ill health; Hindu sepoys' songs and dancing; daos as gifts |
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Such a gorgeous sunset tonight. We looked at it right down the Dikhu valley, with Lungkam outlined against the red sky, and Wokha Hill away back to the left. We began our day with a very steep descent to a stream, then over a ridge and down to another broader valley where we halted the column and all the coolies splashed about and where happy. They hadn't had a chance to wash for days. It was also preparation for a very steep climb indeed of 2,500 ft. |
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I didn't mind it myself, but I wasn't altogether happy about Williams. He wasn't too fit last night, and he was below par at breakfast, and the cold he has had for days seemed to be turning into 'flu. He was in poor form by the time we got to the stream, and I thought he would never manage the climb. I kept close behind him to watch, and I noticed the Medical Officer in front casting a frequent eye over his shoulder. As a matter of fact, a heavy sweat, a rest and a drink worked a miracle, and he was most perky at lunch. More aspirin and a good night will probably do the trick. |
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We have only to get down to the Dikhu river tomorrow, nothing as a march. Williams is going to fish, but I shall be too busy. I have to divide all sorts of trophies with the Baron and do endless odd jobs. We get to Mokokchung the day after tomorrow. |
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Put on their mettle by the din last night, the Sepoys have begun a concert. I haven't the heart to get them stopped, but the din is driving me nearly silly. Discordant raucous hindu songs are bad enough but the tom-tom is the crowning evil. They have a huge fire burning and there is a fellow dancing in front of it. I have just had to get up and see another village which has come in. Daos are the traditional present here. I have collected about 50 on this trip, in the quarter guard. Tomorrow they will have to be distributed. |
